Unrefined copper exports from the DR Congo: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, the DR Congo exported unrefined copper worth $1.12 billion (123.9 thousand tonnes). It ranks 5th of 104 countries for exports of this product. That is 20% less than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 29% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2022, at $1.62 billion.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $1.12B | 123.9K t |
| 2023 | $1.41B | 172.6K t |
| 2022 | $1.62B | 185.1K t |
| 2021 | $806.0M | 89.5K t |
| 2020 | $637.5M | 101.4K t |
| 2019 | $245.8M | 44.1K t |
| 2018 | $314.9M | 52.5K t |
| 2017 | $185.8M | 33.6K t |
Where the DR Congo exports unrefined copper to
One buyer market dominates: China accounted for 100% of the value.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $1.12B | 100% |
| South Korea | $205K | 0% |
| United States | $3K | 0% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $9.07 per kg, close to the world average of $9.36.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Who is behind these numbers in the DR Congo?
The shipment records behind DR Congo unrefined copper exports (HS 7402): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
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Mirror data: built from the shipment records of the countries that trade with it.
Source: CEPII BACI (reconciled UN Comtrade data), HS 2017 edition, release 202601, Etalab Open Licence 2.0. Annual values in US dollars at the customs border; quantities in tonnes where reported. HS 7402: Copper; unrefined, copper anodes for electrolytic refining.
Common questions
What is the value of unrefined copper exported by the DR Congo?
The DR Congo exported unrefined copper worth $1.12 billion in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 123.9 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 5th of 104 countries worldwide, with 6% of world exports. The value was down 20% on 2023.
Which countries buy unrefined copper from the DR Congo?
China was the largest buyer with 100% of the value ($1.12 billion), followed by South Korea (0%) and the United States (0%). The top three together account for 100%, out of 3 buyer countries in total.
What is the average export price of unrefined copper per kg?
The average declared export value was about $9.07 per kg in 2024, close to the world average of $9.36 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have exports of unrefined copper from the DR Congo changed since 2017?
Exports went from $185.8 million in 2017 to $1.12 billion in 2024, an increase of 505%. The peak was 2022 at $1.62 billion. Over 8 years the average was $792.6 million a year.
What is the HS code for unrefined copper?
The HS code for unrefined copper is heading 7402. In the DR Congo all of this trade was declared under the six-digit code 7402.00. It sits in HS chapter 74 (copper and articles thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 7402 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
EximDataX rebuilds the DR Congo trade from the customs records of its trading partners, so the companies shipping to and from it are visible. Ask for a live look at your product.
Same product, other countries
More trade data for the DR Congo
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